Three Scottish O&G supply companies expand to USA

Three Scottish oil and gas supply chain companies have expanded into the US market and opened new operations in Houston, Texas.

This announcement comes as a record number of Scottish oil and gas companies attend the world-renowned Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston this week, including almost half of which are attending the event for the first time.

Aberdeen-based Houlder, AEL Specialist Electrical Distributors and Magma Products have all opened new operations in Houston this year, cementing their global reach and long-term ambition.

All three companies recognise the strong growth opportunities offered by the US market and the benefits of having a presence in market to service their existing and future customers.

The three companies are amongst 63 Scottish businesses participating in OTC 2014, supported by Scottish Development International, the international arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies.

Attending the event, Scottish Enterprise’s head of oil and gas, David Rennie, said: “This show is a perfect showcase for our ambitious oil and gas sector, with 63 companies joining us at OTC this year. The companies range from highly experienced exporters with offices in market, to those right at the start of their international journey. In fact, this year, we have as many as 30 companies joining us at OTC for the first time.

”OTC offers some really exciting opportunities for our companies – it’s a place where new contacts are forged, existing ones strengthened and new business is done. It’s also an opportunity for us to showcase Scotland’s strengths in this key sector to the wider global marketplace.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of expanding into new overseas markets to grow the sector. Houlder, AEL and Magma Products are fantastic examples of ambitious Scottish companies which are seeing real growth as a result of their successful exporting activities and I wish them every success with their new operations in the States.”

Magma Products expects to create 10 new jobs in Houston by the end of 2014. Rachel McIntyre is the new vice-president in Houston. She said: “We believe there is strong growth for our services in the US and the addition of a Houston operation gives us the opportunity to grow by delivering a high quality and value-added service to the market.”

Accompanying the companies at OTC, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Investment between Scotland and the USA is on the rise, which is why it is so important to maximise this successful economic relationship. It is a key priority for us to make it quicker and easier for business to continue between our two countries.

“The skills and knowledge developed in Scotland as a result of the development of the North Sea are a key strength for Scotland. We are committed to working with the oil and gas sector to maintain competitiveness, facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge to other sectors and utilise Scottish based skills in world markets.

“Business growth and investment are at the heart of our policies to secure economic growth. While the Scottish Government will continue to do all we can to help our businesses thrive, with the full fiscal and economic powers of independence we could do even more to support companies, strengthen our economy and create jobs.”